A former policeman who has saved lives by delivering first aid to thousands of people is up for a Chronicle award.

While working for the Great North Air Ambulance (GNAA) Peter Stead has taught first aid to hundreds of community groups, businesses and individuals.

He is now up for our Safety Champion Award in this year’s Chronicle Community Champion Awards.

Stead was put forward for the award by the charity.

In a letter to the Chronicle the GNAA said: “Peter’s courses are a key revenue stream for the Great North Air Ambulance and his expertise is sought after among businesses, community groups and individuals.

“We regularly hear from former course attendees who have had to call upon skills acquired through Peter’s sessions. He must be indirectly responsible for saving dozens of lives in the time he has been at the charity.

“He has an enthusiasm for first aid which is infectious and makes what could be a dry subject into an engaging and enlightening one.

“He is something of an unsung hero at the charity and it would be great for him to receive this recognition.” You have just one week left to get your entries in for this year’s Community Champion Awards.

This year’s Safety Champion Award is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

Group manager Dave Jefferson said: “I am delighted that the service has been asked to support the Safety Champion Awards.

“This award scheme adds value to the excellent work Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service does to engage with the local community.

“It is a great opportunity to give recognition to individuals or groups who do something directly to educate people to reduce the risk to those within their community.

“For example, reducing the number of fires happening in the first place, improving water safety or raising awareness of road safety, all with the aim of ensuring our most vulnerable residents stay safer in the future.”

If you know anyone like Stead who deserves to be recognised for their work in the community why not nominate them? You can log on to www.chroniclelive.co.uk/communitychampions for details on how to enter or fill out one of the slips.